Africa. Adventure. Each day is an adventure. It's beautiful, no matter how hard. My family, extended family and our animals. Motorbikes. I must say...the plants in our nursery are a wonderful distraction...

When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?

Homeschooling my daughters. Riding my motorbikes or riding with my husband on his. Playing with our dogs. Gardening the vegetables.

What is your writing process?

Inspiration. Then planning from beginning to end. And then the writing - whatever you do, write a little bit every day and do it to the end. Just write and get the basic idea of things down. Don't waste time hovering over tiny little details, move on. Edit and be critical of yourself.

Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?

Absolutely. Sparkle the Pony. It had gorgeous illustrations and I dived into that pony world. Also, Hannibal Goes on Holiday. About a hamster which, surprisingly, goes on holiday. The illustrations were so realistic. All the characters came to life. I still have those books. Those books solidified my love of animals but also allowed me to dream. I'm a great dreamer.

What are your five favorite books, and why?

Lord of the Rings/Tolkien: There's absolutely everything in those three books about life - good/evil; weak against powerful; greed; hope; love between man & woman, between friends; strength; weakness; morals.Shannara Trilogy/Landover Novels Terry Brooks: Beautifully written, pure escapism.Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend/Matthew Green: One of the most touching stories I've ever read. Probably because of all the imaginary friends I had (have?).The Other Boleyn Girl/Philippa Gregory: I love Tudor history. All of Philippa Gregory's books set around this time are incredible. This particular one is scandalous and mind blowing!The Edge of the Rain/Beverley Harper: It's very hard to choose one of my favourites here. This one was wonderful though due to the insight of the Hottentot people.

I grew up in Newcastle, South Africa. With the violent afternoon thunderstorms, intense heat & cold, ants, chameleons, ducks, snakes, dogs, cats, lizards, pigeons, various birds, surprise visitors from nature and not to mention my very entertaining brother and sister this made me an animal/outdoors lover and also fuelled my imagination.

What gave you the most confidence in your life?

Without a doubt, learning to ride a motorbike. I've always loved motorbikes. Not for a sense of speed but for a sense of adventure. My husband and I have ridden all over together for many years but I never thought myself capable of riding. I first learnt to ride off-road and now I'm learning on-road. Riding has been a leveler in my life; a calming influence and a peace to draw upon...whenever something scares me.

Published 2014-01-25.

Smashwords Interviews are created by the profiled author, publisher or reader.

Africa: Action & adventure. Kai's parents are kidnapped. Africa's water is running out. Can fifteen year old inventor Kai race through the African countryside in time to execute a crazy plan not only to save his parents from a greedy criminal...but Africa and its people from drought? And every moment water is running out…drip...drip…drip...